Punta Gorda Airport monitoring Allegiant as airline's issues mount

Could problems at Allegiant Airlines start causing issues for the Punta Gorda Airport?

The airline has had several problems nationwide over the last year, including multiple incidents of engine failure upon takeoff. Just last week, an Allegiant plane aborted takeoff out of the St. Petersburg airport for engine problems, one of dozens of issues there in the last several months.

The FAA has sent the airline a written reprimand for a similar incident in Las Vegas.

While there's been nothing that serious here, there have been many cancellations and minor equipment problems reported.

Some passengers have had enough.

"I mean if it got to be where I flew very frequently here and had a lot of problems, I would switch," said Jacqueline Hess, who said she's had problems with the airline before. "The plane either didn't come in or didn't have enough pilots to fly."

The Punta Gorda Airport is busier than ever, a lot of that thanks to Allegiant, which continues to offer new flights and destinations for cheap, and as its only airline, the airport relies on the success of Allegiant.

Airport leaders in Charlotte County said they are constantly checking with the FAA on Allegiant to avoid any issues.

They also said Allegiant is rolling out newer planes.

"I want to make sure they're following the FAA guidelines. I want to step on that plane and be safe," said Pam Seay with the Charlotte County Airport Authority.

But Seay said she's confident Allegiant is following the rules and will continue to grow at the airport.

"I fully anticipate that Allegiant Airlines is following those standards," Seay said.